Towing Capacity 2009 Ltz Silverado (5.3 With 6-speed)?

[rhinoman]

Looking at ordering my truck this week. Specs online show

: 2009 LTZ (comes with the cooling equipment)

: 3.42

: 6-speed

Max tow capacity = 9500 lbs

 

Quote that the dealer generated for me shows 8320 with a weight distribution hitch.

 

What's the real value ? Jayco 30BHDS is fully loaded at 9000lbs, but I won't be hauling any fluids. For 1-2 4 hour trips per year, will this suffice ?

[pwall]

That's close.

I would certainly consider 3.73 (or even 4.10's) gears.

[VMax2007]

That's close.

I would certainly consider 3.73 (or even 4.10's) gears.

 

You can't get 3.73's or 4.10's with a 5.3/6 spd. You can get 3.73's with the NHT pkg (6.0) though.

[music]

Looking at ordering my truck this week. Specs online show

: 2009 LTZ (comes with the cooling equipment)

: 3.42

: 6-speed

Max tow capacity = 9500 lbs

 

Quote that the dealer generated for me shows 8320 with a weight distribution hitch.

 

What's the real value ? Jayco 30BHDS is fully loaded at 9000lbs, but I won't be hauling any fluids. For 1-2 4 hour trips per year, will this suffice ?

 

Regardless of the tow rating, you're probably going to be over on payload. 9000 x 0.15 = 1350 lbs before you put anything else in the truck. Payload rating is around 1600 lbs. The stock Class-IV hitch is rated to 1200 lbs with a WD hitch, so you'll be close there too. If you're ordering the truck, I'd seriously consider going with the max tow package (NHT). It adds 300 lbs of payload and the 6.0. I'm towing 7k lbs (loaded) w/ the 5.3/4-spd and 3.73 rear, and it handles well enough, but an extra 2k lbs would be pushing it. Other than getting up to speed, the 4-spd pulls as good as the 6-spd, w/ different "sweet spots" for speed/rpm/gear.

[rhinoman]

Looking at ordering my truck this week. Specs online show

: 2009 LTZ (comes with the cooling equipment)

: 3.42

: 6-speed

Max tow capacity = 9500 lbs

 

Quote that the dealer generated for me shows 8320 with a weight distribution hitch.

 

What's the real value ? Jayco 30BHDS is fully loaded at 9000lbs, but I won't be hauling any fluids. For 1-2 4 hour trips per year, will this suffice ?

 

Regardless of the tow rating, you're probably going to be over on payload. 9000 x 0.15 = 1350 lbs before you put anything else in the truck. Payload rating is around 1600 lbs. The stock Class-IV hitch is rated to 1200 lbs with a WD hitch, so you'll be close there too. If you're ordering the truck, I'd seriously consider going with the max tow package (NHT). It adds 300 lbs of payload and the 6.0. I'm towing 7k lbs (loaded) w/ the 5.3/4-spd and 3.73 rear, and it handles well enough, but an extra 2k lbs would be pushing it. Other than getting up to speed, the 4-spd pulls as good as the 6-spd, w/ different "sweet spots" for speed/rpm/gear.

 

 

Given we're not towing every day, would the 3.73 rear introduce much less fuel economy in everyday driving ?

[rodram]

Musicman is correct in saying that you need to consider payload as well as the total weight of trailer, and total weight of trailer/truck/cargo/people. So without getting into the "3/4Ton is better" debate you need to know the limits of your truck, whatever it is.

 

Where I come from there are 3 rules on trailer towing limits to be legal on the road (these vary around North America in different states and provinces):

 

1. if GVW of trailer is greater than GVW of truck then you need a weight distribution hitch, and then you can tow up to twice the GVW of the truck.

 

2. you cannot exceed the gross vehicle weight rating OR any gross axle weight ratings of the truck (this is where payload on the truck bed comes in - if you have an allowable payload around 1600 lbs, then this has to include the weight of the hitch assembly, weight of the trailer tongue, a tank full of fuel, luggage, gear, and people), (payload is GVW minus the empty weight of the truck)

 

3. you cannot exceed the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating which is GVW truck + allowable tow capacity... (so in your case 7000 lbs + 8320 lbs = 15,320 lbs), you, your gear, your truck + your trailer cannot be over 15,320 lbs)

 

Now.... the other comments about rear axle gear ratios and selection of transmissions becomes a personal choice and is usually based on good and/or bad personal experience. GM puts the Max Trailering Package together, as they feel this is how to max out the trailer pulling capacity of a GM 1500. Any other combination of engine, transmission, and rear axle may work (and many will testify to their good experiences with them) but they are compromise.... so if trailering is your passion (even for a few occasions a year) and if your trailer is >8000 lbs then seriously look at the Max trailering package or NHT, or whatever it will be called for the 2010s

 

... and yes the 3.73 gears will hurt the everyday fuel comsumption a little (compared to the 3.42, but still better than the 4.10s) ... but you are buying a truck and expect it to work like a truck for you... so this is the price....

[rhinoman]

Musicman is correct in saying that you need to consider payload as well as the total weight of trailer, and total weight of trailer/truck/cargo/people. So without getting into the "3/4Ton is better" debate you need to know the limits of your truck, whatever it is.

 

Where I come from there are 3 rules on trailer towing limits to be legal on the road (these vary around North America in different states and provinces):

 

1. if GVW of trailer is greater than GVW of truck then you need a weight distribution hitch, and then you can tow up to twice the GVW of the truck.

 

2. you cannot exceed the gross vehicle weight rating OR any gross axle weight ratings of the truck (this is where payload on the truck bed comes in - if you have an allowable payload around 1600 lbs, then this has to include the weight of the hitch assembly, weight of the trailer tongue, a tank full of fuel, luggage, gear, and people), (payload is GVW minus the empty weight of the truck)

 

3. you cannot exceed the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating which is GVW truck + allowable tow capacity... (so in your case 7000 lbs + 8320 lbs = 15,320 lbs), you, your gear, your truck + your trailer cannot be over 15,320 lbs)

 

Now.... the other comments about rear axle gear ratios and selection of transmissions becomes a personal choice and is usually based on good and/or bad personal experience. GM puts the Max Trailering Package together, as they feel this is how to max out the trailer pulling capacity of a GM 1500. Any other combination of engine, transmission, and rear axle may work (and many will testify to their good experiences with them) but they are compromise.... so if trailering is your passion (even for a few occasions a year) and if your trailer is >8000 lbs then seriously look at the Max trailering package or NHT, or whatever it will be called for the 2010s

 

... and yes the 3.73 gears will hurt the everyday fuel comsumption a little (compared to the 3.42, but still better than the 4.10s) ... but you are buying a truck and expect it to work like a truck for you... so this is the price....

 

Thanks for the great write-up. This really does help for someone who has never towed before.

 

Definitely going for the Max Trailering package.

[rodram]

yes, the 2009 Max Trailering package gives you the GVW 7300 lbs (+300 lbs over the std crewcabs), the 6-speed transmission, the trailer tow package, 3.73 gears, and the 6.0L engine (and as I read the 2010 spec book, this combination is standard with the 2010 CC, except that the 6.2L engine is there).

 

so you also get an increased towing capacity to 10,400 lbs and thereby get a gross combined weight rating of 7300 lbs + 10,400 lbs = 17,700 lbs.... not too bad for a 1500

 

I hope that with GM trying to sense what the public wants these days, they will pick up on the fact that these type of 'truck' options have a place in the market. GM and others have been trying to make the trucks into big rear wheel drive cars over the past several years, but we want to tell GM that we still use these things as trucks and they need to work like a truck too!

 

If you are ordering a new truck, you won't be disappointed with the Max Trailering.

[rhinoman]

Many thanks for all the info here. Re-built the configuration last night with the sales rep to take the NHT package.

 

Now just need to wait the 8-12 weeks

[music]

Many thanks for all the info here. Re-built the configuration last night with the sales rep to take the NHT package.

 

Now just need to wait the 8-12 weeks

 

Be sure to check in here after you get it and have a chance to tow your camper, and write a little summary of how it does for you.

[rhinoman]

In addition to all the add-ons which I'll be grabbing third-party (Extang tri-fold, window vents, etc), I'll need a weight distribution hitch. Would this be a bolt-on to the existing hitch, or a replacement ?

 

Can anyone (in Canada?) provide any references to price and where best to buy ?

[pwall]

If you already have your trailer, did it not come with a weight distribution hitch ?

And if it did, most likely the hitch will have to be adjusted for your new truck.

The receiver that will come with your truck will be fine.

 

Since you asked for Canada.....VOS Trailers would be a great place to go. Even Stitsville Trailers. Been to both many times, very pleased with the service.

[rhinoman]

It was delivered to my seasonal lot, so I'm guessing not. I don't think I have any torsion bars etc, but not sure what else to look for on the trailer side ?

 

Jayco 2008 BHDS

[pwall]

Since it was delivered, it's not going to have any hitch equipment on it.

Stitsville Trailers is your best option.